Alan Dillon (Mayo, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I concur with other Members on the real need for increased sporting facilities within each of our constituencies. I thank the Minister of State for visiting Castlebar recently to launch a report on the importance of sport within the county town. We have seen the success of the Lough Lannagh project with a new swimming pool, adjacent tennis clubs, walkways and so on. Collaboration with the Minister of State's Department and local authorities can be a game-changer in ensuring we have more participation, better sporting facilities and better investment and use of Government funding. We know how important it is to get young people involved and get them active for their well-being and for their physical and mental health. The Minister of State talked previously about the increased applications that are currently being reviewed for the sports capital programme. Going into 2024 I hope that we have one of the largest national pots in the sports capital programme to deliver all across Ireland.

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